CLICK HERE FOR TRENDING VIDEOS

Forever Slept-On: 10 Most Unappreciated Rappers

Neither legendary nor forgettable, these unsung rap heroes are rarely honored for their invaluable contributions to society. Some more culturally-influential than others, we’ll never understand why they’re not more celebrated than they are today.

Here are the ten most unappreciated rappers ever. Take a look.

Young Dro –

Very few human beings have a more colorful mentality than Dro—trap philosopher and painter of mental masterpieces. Before Dro, Whirlwind-blue, Sad-blue and IHOP-blue weren’t colors that existed. Now, 43% of southern rappers swear they’re Dro. Pay homage.

It will never matter that he raps like there’s a period between every word. Project Pat-tah is, and will always be, for the people. Without the wonderfully-ratchet “Chickenheads”—a true American classic—the world would be colder and crueler than it already is.

Ja Rule –

There was a time, lifetimes ago (before 50 ended his everything), when Ja was a Thug&B superstar, beloved by millions. Most won’t admit to singing “Put It On Me” at ignorant levels in the shower, but HE paved the way for successful rapper/crooners like Future Vandross and Drake.

Trick Daddy –

No rapper was more important to their city’s success than Mayor Daddy Dollars, who put international superstar Pitbull, man-boob model Rick Ross and Trina on. Lover of kids, Polo apparel and fish sammiches, Trick made timeless holey-drawls classics for the streets.

Malice (The Clipse) –

Malice will always be Luigi to Pusha T’s Mario but deserves his own appreciation day for overlooked lyrical gems on classic albums. Without him, there’s simply no Clipse.

Continue Slideshow

Noreaga –

Nore’s a classic example of a terrible, yet charismatic rapper with impeccable (Neptunes) production. At one point, N.O.R.E. was the face of NY Hip-Hop (for like 19 days) with hits that soon turned into classics but never seemed to gain the recognition he deserved.

Cam’ron –

Killa Cam is either the greatest or worst rapper you’ve ever heard, at any moment, who once said he gets “computers putin.” Hate or love the wildly-inconsistent Harlem MC, you have to respect his underrated catalog.

Redman –

Known more as Method Man’s BFF with the impoverished lifestyle (as seen on “MTV Cribs”) than a dope MC with classic records, Red will always be one of the most underrated (and funniest) MCs ever.

Lady of Rage –

She’ll probably never get the credit she deserves for opening minds to the idea of a female rapper that’s not hyper-sexualized, but she should.